MEMPHIS --- Opening the season on the road at the Christian Brothers Fall Classic, the Bellarmine University volleyball team was impressive as they defeated American International 3-1, then took out Henderson State 3-0 in the finale.

Bellarmine vs. American International
Set one was highly competitive as both teams traded points, with Bellarmine (1-0) owning the largest lead at 13-10. The Yellowjackets fought back and had set point at 25-24, but after Coach Dan Palmer called a timeout, Lucy Knott came up with the clutch kill to draw even at 25. The Knights would win the next two points to take set one 27-25.

The Knights simply overpowered the Yellowjackets (0-1) in set two, cruising to a 25-6 victory as Whitney Tormoehlen had five of her 13 kills in the set while freshmen Erika Isham had two aces.

After American International took a highly competitive set three 29-27, Bellarmine again came out hot in set four, jumping out to an 8-1 lead before the Yellowjackets called a timeout. That timeout did little to help AIC, as Bellarmine went on to win set four25-6 and took the match.

The Yellowjackets are coming off a 20-13 season and NCAA Tournament appearance but could not help their own cause as they racked up 20 errors on the day. Bellarmine also outworked AIC at the net, owning a 7-5 advantage in blocks.

Sophomore Krista Gibson's 14 kills led the way for the Knights who also got 38 assists from setter Bailey BredenbeckCorp.

Box Score

In the nightcap, Bellarmine swept Henderson State 3-0. No stats were available.